Town provides update on Aquatics Centre renovation

The Town of St. Marys is providing an update on the renovations of the Aquatics Centre, which commenced in November 2024.

Due to unexpected recently discovered structural issues, the renovation work is now expected to extend the closure of the pool until fall 2025.

The Aquatics Centre, opened in 2008, initially used a saltwater chlorine-generation system. While popular with municipal pools at the time, this system caused significant deterioration of equipment and infrastructure indoors. In response, the Town transitioned to an Ultra-Violet disinfection system utilizing liquid chlorine in 2018 and developed a plan to replace damaged equipment and improve air quality. The current upgrades address humidity issues stemming from insufficiently sized HVAC equipment installed during the original construction in 2007.

The Pyramid Recreation Centre pool was closed to the public in November 2024 to address safety concerns caused by saltwater and high humidity. These renovations were deemed essential to ensure the facility could be used safely and effectively by the community.

The project involves the installation of a new HVAC unit and exhaust systems to improve air quality. Additionally, repairs are being performed on various parts of the Aquatics Centre that have experienced wear and tear and salt damage. These upgrades not only aim to repair existing issues but also to future-proof the Aquatics Centre against similar challenges in the coming years.

Once renovations are complete, the Aquatics Centre staff will need a period of time to prepare the facility for public use by filling, heating and treating the pool and site-specific training lifeguards and staff.

“Our priority is to ensure that the Aquatics Centre serves our community for many years to come,” says Stephanie Ische, Director of Community Services. “Though unforeseen structural challenges have delayed the timeline, the upgrades will significantly improve the facility's functionality and longevity.”

“The Aquatics Centre is a vital part of our community and the improvements being made are essential to ensure the facility meets the needs of future generations,” says Al Strathdee, Mayor. “Safety remains a priority, and we appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we complete this important work.”

The Town is hosting a drop-in Open House in the EndZone of the Pyramid Recreation Centre on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Residents will have the chance to observe the progress of the renovation to date and ask questions.

The Pyramid Recreation Centre will continue to remain open for regular hours and continue to offer a variety of recreation and leisure activities during the Aquatics Centre closure.

Project updates and a reopening date, once confirmed, will be provided through local media, the Town website (www.townofstmarys.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/stmarysontario) and Twitter/X (www.twitter.com/townofstmarys).

Questions about swimming lessons, aquatics programs and pool rentals can be directed to Andrea Slade, Aquatics Manager at 519-284-2340, ext. 623.

Questions about the renovation can be directed to Doug LaPointe, Manager of Recreation Operations and Chief Operator at 519-284-2340, ext. 645.

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Contact
Stephanie Ische | Director of Community Services
519-284-2340, ext. 624 | sische@town.stmarys.on.ca

For media inquiries:
Stacey Frayne | Corporate Communications Team Lead
519-284-2340, ext. 218 | sfrayne@town.stmarys.on.ca